AN UNDERSTANDING HEART

                                                            1 Kings 3:4-15 (276)

    Introduction

          A.  King Solomon requested God to give him and understanding heart.  (v9).  Probably

                included the willingness and patience to consider all sides of an issue, as well as the

                ability to reason.

          B.  God granted his request and also gave him ________________________________

          C.  As servants of God, we also need an understanding heart.

          D.  Let’s focus on three benefits of an understanding heart.

      I.  Understanding leads to loyalty.

          A.  We need to understand the faithfulness of God.  2 Thessalonians 3:3 (875); 1 Cor. 10:

                13 (846); 1 John 1:9 (900)

          B.  An understanding heart about the faithfulness of God will enable us to be loyal

                and faithful to God.  Philippians 1:3-6 (867); Psalm 40:4 (444); Matthew 7:21 (708)

    II.  Understanding leads us to serve God.

          A.  We need to understand the principle of service that God teaches us.  Matthew 20: 24-

                28 (721); James 1:27 (892)

          B.  An understanding that we must be servants enables us to serve.  Titus 3:3-8 (882)

   III.  Understanding increases our love.

          A.  God loves us.  John 3:16 (781); Romans 5:8 (832)

          B.  Jesus loves us.  Galatians 2:20 (860)

          C.  Understanding the love of God enables us to grow in love.

                1.  For God.  1 John 4:19 (901)

                2.  For our enemies.  Matthew 5:43-48 (706)

                3.  For one another.  John 13:34-35 (793)

  Conclusion

          A.  An understanding heart will enable us to develop the attitudes of loyalty, service and

                love.